MADISON/LAKE MILLS - David Black, age 66, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. He was born on Oct. 24, 1955, in Bloomington, Ind., the son of William and June (Mathewson) Black. He was united in marriage to Kari Black on May 17, 1997.

Dave graduated from Athens High School in Athens, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army and earned a specialty as a medic. Dave was stationed in Germany for two years and was honorably discharged in 1978, earning The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service for his contributions aiding in the success of his battalion medical platoon.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, master’s degree from San Francisco State University and a second master’s degree from UW-Madison. Through Dave’s hard work and dedication, he was the founding general manager of the UW-Madison student radio station, WSUM, and was instrumental in cultivating what it is recognized as today.

In addition to his passion for the student radio station, he was deeply committed to his work as a facilitator for the Institute for Healing of Racism in Madison, an active member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and Wisconsin College Broadcasters.

In his personal life, Dave had a love for dogs. His first canine companion was a Basenji, Teakwood, who inspired him to rescue a Basenji mix, Diesel, later in life. This special relationship with Diesel propelled him to work with rescue organizations. He adored his most recent rescue pups, Diesel, Millie, and Chloe.

Dave had a special ability to make everyone feel loved by him and said ‘I love you’ every day. His bear hugs, infectious and resounding laugh, and wit will be missed forever more. We love you very much.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kari; son, Dan (Jen) Lutz; daughter, Stephanie (Nick) Haen; grandchildren, Josie and Cameron Haen, and Noah, Landon and Emma Lutz; brother, Greg (Ginny) Black; four brothers-in-law, Dave (Sue Levy) Mortensen, Kevin (Jeanine) Zwart, Mike (Holly Lamers) Zwart and Mark (Sue) Zwart; sister-in-law, Amie (Mark Meyskens) Zwart; many nieces, nephews and loving family. Dave took his great-nephew, Graecyn Williams-Roeske, under his wing and they were inseparable. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jan Mortensen.

A memorial service will be held at the MEMORIAL UNION, Great Hall, 800 Langdon St., Madison, at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Dave’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. A celebration of Dave’s life will follow the service at the Memorial Union, Great Hall until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Memorials may be gifted in Dave’s name to: The Basenji Rescue and Transport (basenjirescue.org) or UW Foundation WSUM Fund (supportuw.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

David Black

October 24, 1955 - February 13, 2022

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